The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. This joint helps with actions of daily life like chewing, speaking, and yawning. Therefore, when injuries happen to this joint, causing pain or restricted movement, it can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Physiotherapy can be beneficial in treating TMJ issues, to decrease pain, improve jaw function, and restore mobility. In this article we’ll explore the causes of TMJ injuries and how physiotherapy can help. As well, Sheddon’s Physiotherapist Liam Munshi, who treats TMJ issues, is going to share some tips to help you manage your TMJ condition.
Causes of TMJ Injuries
- Trauma: Physical impact or injury to the jaw.
- Grinding or clenching: Regular grinding or clenching of your teeth.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions affecting the TMJ, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poor Jaw Alignment: Misalignment of the teeth or jaw, leading to increased stress on the TMJ.
- Stress: Emotional or psychological stress leading to jaw clenching or muscle tension.
- Joint Degeneration: Wear and tear over time, resulting in joint degeneration and TMJ issues.
- Chewing Gum or Tough Foods: Excessive chewing or consistently consuming tough or chewy foods.
- Poor Posture: Incorrect posture impacting the alignment and function of the jaw joint.
- Dental Procedures: Extended dental treatments or procedures that require prolonged mouth opening.
Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Injuries
- Jaw Pain: Persistent pain in the jaw joint, often worsened by movement or chewing.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises, such as clicking, when opening or closing the mouth.
- Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty or discomfort when opening or closing the mouth fully.
- Muscle Tenderness: Soreness in the muscles surrounding the jaw joint, face, or neck.
- Locking of the Jaw: Inability to fully open or close the mouth.
- Headaches: Recurrent headaches, often around the temples or ear area.
- Ear Pain or Fullness: Discomfort, pain, or a sensation of fullness in the ears without an ear-related issue.
The Role of Physiotherapy in TMJ Recovery
Physiotherapists play an important role in managing TMJ disorders, to decrease pain, restore function, and improve ones quality of life. Physiotherapists generally will focus on exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for TMJ Injuries
- Pain Relief: A physiotherapist can help decrease pain with manual therapy and modalities.
- Improved Jaw Mobility: A physiotherapist will prescribe exercises and stretches to enhance the range of motion in the jaw, reducing stiffness and increasing flexibility.
- Enhanced Muscle Function: Physiotherapists focus on strengthening and retraining the muscles around the TMJ.
- Posture Correction: Physiotherapists addresses posture-related issues that may contribute to TMJ problems.
- Stress Reduction: Techniques taught by physiotherapists can help manage stress, which is often a contributing factor to TMJ disorders, by minimizing jaw clenching or muscle tension.
- Educational Support: Patients receive valuable education about their condition, learning self-care techniques and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Physiotherapy Techniques for TMJ Rehabilitation
Physiotherapists use a range of techniques to help in the rehabilitation of TMJ issues, including:
- Exercises and stretches designed to improve TMJ mobility and strengthen supporting muscles.
- Manual therapy techniques such as massage and mobilization to decrease tension and improve joint function.
- Modalities like heat, ice, laser and ultrasound play an important role in reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, and promoting healing within the TMJ.
- Acupuncture can help decrease pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve blood flow.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care for TMJ Management
Managing TMJ dysfunction extends beyond physiotherapy interventions. Lifestyle changes and self-care practices plays a crucial role in alleviating TMJ discomfort. Here are some lifestyle tips from Sheddon’s Physiotherapist Liam Munshi:
- Correcting your posture and optimizing ergonomics are important in reducing strain on the jaw joint.
- Stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises or mindfulness practices, contribute significantly to easing muscle tension and improving TMJ health.
- Speak with your dentist about using a mouth guard at night.
- During the day, try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Keep your teeth apart and your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
- Avoid chewing gum and tough foods, as well as taking big bites while eating.
At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, our dedicated therapists provide comprehensive care for individuals with TMJ issues. Your treatment plan will include exercises, manual therapy and modalities, to help decrease your pain, improve your mobility and restore function. If you or someone you know is suffering from TMJ issues contact our clinic in Oakville or Burlington to book your appointment.
For more info, contact Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinics in Oakville at 905-849-4576 and Burlington at 905-332-1070.
We are located only 6 min East of Oakville Place and 4 min East of Whole Foods Market on Cornwall Rd.
The Burlington physio clinic is located only 2 min south of IKEA Burlington and 6 min north of Burlington Golf & Country Club, on Plains Rd East.
